house of ease

English

Etymology

From the former euphemism do one's ease (“ease one's bowels: defecate”).

Noun

house of ease (plural houses of ease)

1. (euphemistic, obsolete) An outbuilding used to ease one's bowels: an outhouse.
   • 1734, Jonathan Swift, "Strephon & Cloe" in Beautiful Young Nymph, p. 20:

     Had you but through a Cranny spy'd
     On House of Ease your future Bride.

Synonyms

• See Thesaurus:bathroom

Related terms

• closet of ease
• do one's ease
• house of office
• seat of ease

References

• Oxford English Dictionary, 1st ed. "ease, n." Oxford University Press (Oxford), 1891.